Auburn did not scrimmage Saturday but still had a physical practice (Todd Van Emst photo)

AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said after Saturday's practice that Kiehl Frazier will play in the season-opener against Washington State, even though he was moved from quarterback to safety just last Monday.

"He understands football and he understands offenses and what they're trying to do with splits and everything that goes with it," Malzahn said.-- Charles Goldberg

Big-time visitors at Saturday practice

Jason Dufner, a former Auburn All-American who won the PGA Championship a week ago, and Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson, a former Auburn All-American who is recovering from a broken ankle, were on hand to watch practice Saturday.

It was the third practice Dufner has attended this week.--Phillip Marshall

McNeal dismissed from Auburn team

Senior safety Demetruce McNeal, arrested on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge early Saturday morning, has been dismissed from the team, according to Malzahn.

“After visiting with Demetruce, I made the decision to dismiss him from our team," Malzahn said. "We have high expectations both on and off the field for our players.”--Phillip Marshall

`Very physical fall camp'

Gus Malzahn said the Tigers have been "very physical in fall camp. We've tackled a lot and we've locked a lot, and we just felt as a coaching staff we've learned just about what we need to learn in live situations."

Ford expected back `sooner than later'

Defensive end Dee Ford missed another practice because of an undisclosed injury.

"But he knows everything that's going on. That's a good thing. He's a veteran guy. As soon as he gets back 100 percent, he'll be able to get in there and not miss a beat," Malzahn said.

Senior H-back Jay Prosch said after Saturday's practice the offense is coming together quickly.

"We've made incredible progress," Prosch said. "At the beginning, we were getting back into the plays and getting into what guys were doing. It's starting to flow now. It looks like the offense is coming together, so it's exciting."--Phillip Marshall

Prosch enjoys catching passes

Prosch said he has caught lots of passes in preseason camp, but he hasn't had his number called to run the ball.

"No handoffs, but I've caught a bunch of passes," Prosch said. "None live, unfortunately, so I haven't had a chance to break any tackles or anything.--Phillip Marshall